Top 25 Gator teams: #20 1968 Men's golf

After winning the SEC Tournament, the Gators went on to win the school's first national title (in any sport) by pulling off a stunning upset of No. 1 Houston in the NCAA Tournament in Las Cruces, N.M.

By Robbie AndreuStaff writer

Record: Four tournament wins, including the SEC and NCAA tournaments. The stars: This was a skilled UF lineup from top to bottom, starting with No. 1 player (and future PGA Tour winner) Steve Melnyk. John Darr, John Sale, Richard Spears and Richard Coffee gave this team great balance. What they did: After winning the SEC Tournament, the Gators went on to win the school's first national title (in any sport) by pulling off a stunning upset of No. 1 Houston in the NCAA Tournament in Las Cruces, N.M. The Gators edged the talented Cougars by two shots after the schools were tied through 54 holes. Big moment: It came on the 69th hole (a 525-yard par-5 with a lake front off the green) in the NCAA Tournament. Two Houston golfers bogeyed the hole, while Spears and Melnyk birdied the hole to give the Gators a comfortable lead with only a few holes to go. Fun fact: After a solid PGA Tour, Melnyk went on to become a popular golf commentator on national television. He has remained an avid supporter of the golf program - and UF athletics in general. Quote: "We were all good students and we all graduated on time. We were very close and we got along really well. We finished second to Houston in the NCAA Tournament the year before, so we knew it would not be an upset if we won (in 1968). A little while after we won the tournament, (UF coach) Buster Bishop told us about a phone call he got from (athletic director) Ray Graves the day after we won it. He said Coach Graves said, 'Congratulations. Now, what was that tournament you won?' " - John Darr